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David McK (3562 KP) rated The Fallen Sword (The Hundred Years War, #3) in Books
Aug 3, 2024 (Updated Aug 3, 2024)
The third and final entry in AJ MacKenzie's 'The Hundred Years War' series which, truth to be told, did not turn out at all as I expected.
By which I mean I was expecting something Cornwell-like; an action-adventure set during the period of The Hundred Years War between France and England over the throne of France.
What I got instead was a (I felt) slow-burner of a mystery over three novels, with the war really only providing the backdrop as the herald Simon Merrivale investigates a shadowy conspiracy amongst the nobles of both sides
The fault in expectation, of course, was wholly mine.
This follows on from the largely-Scotland set A Clash of Lions, itself following on from A Flight of Arrows, with Merrivale now back in France as the English besiege the key city of Calais. I have to say, I did find parts of this novel to drag on a bit: for me, it never really gripped me as much as parts of the previous entry did. One of those novels (and series) that I'm happy enough to have read, but not to the point where I would - yet - search out more by the author.
By which I mean I was expecting something Cornwell-like; an action-adventure set during the period of The Hundred Years War between France and England over the throne of France.
What I got instead was a (I felt) slow-burner of a mystery over three novels, with the war really only providing the backdrop as the herald Simon Merrivale investigates a shadowy conspiracy amongst the nobles of both sides
The fault in expectation, of course, was wholly mine.
This follows on from the largely-Scotland set A Clash of Lions, itself following on from A Flight of Arrows, with Merrivale now back in France as the English besiege the key city of Calais. I have to say, I did find parts of this novel to drag on a bit: for me, it never really gripped me as much as parts of the previous entry did. One of those novels (and series) that I'm happy enough to have read, but not to the point where I would - yet - search out more by the author.
David McK (3562 KP) rated Decision at Thunder Rift: Book One of The Saga of the Gray Death Legion in Books
Mar 9, 2025
Battletech.
Giant stompy robots, very much - it seems to me - the Western version of Japanese mecha.
A board (miniatures) game that's been around since the 1980s, with a fair few PC games and other associated elements spin-offs.
With said spin-offs including a series of novels which - although aware they existed (in much the same way as do Start Trek or Dr Who novels) I never really read any of them - I think I might have tried one, back in the mid 90s or so, but it was forgettable at best.
So, when I was recently looking for something light to read in between bouts of heavier literature (I hate that word), I thought I would give this one a try, since it is - apparently - #1 in the entire series, and since it was on sale for something silly like 99p on Kindle.
What I got was pretty much what I expected: a sci-fi war story, where the 'mechs are basically the equivalent of futuristic tanks, with a light smattering of intrigue but with the real draw, of course, being on the mech vs mech action.
I might pick up some more in the series, but don't think I'll be going out of my way to do so.
Giant stompy robots, very much - it seems to me - the Western version of Japanese mecha.
A board (miniatures) game that's been around since the 1980s, with a fair few PC games and other associated elements spin-offs.
With said spin-offs including a series of novels which - although aware they existed (in much the same way as do Start Trek or Dr Who novels) I never really read any of them - I think I might have tried one, back in the mid 90s or so, but it was forgettable at best.
So, when I was recently looking for something light to read in between bouts of heavier literature (I hate that word), I thought I would give this one a try, since it is - apparently - #1 in the entire series, and since it was on sale for something silly like 99p on Kindle.
What I got was pretty much what I expected: a sci-fi war story, where the 'mechs are basically the equivalent of futuristic tanks, with a light smattering of intrigue but with the real draw, of course, being on the mech vs mech action.
I might pick up some more in the series, but don't think I'll be going out of my way to do so.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Black Ties and Lullabies (Playboys, #3) in Books
Jan 15, 2018
Black Ties & Lullabies is a contemporary romance...not usually a book I would pick up on my own. I borrowed it from a friend after she won it on First Reads. It was an entertaining, light read, the perfect book to be reading at the start of the school year.
I enjoyed the story & the characters were interesting & well developed. So why 3 stars? Well, the plot itself was very predictable, maybe that's why I'm not so into romance novels. I like a little suspense & I could pretty much see every aspect of this story taking place before it actually did.
I enjoyed the story & the characters were interesting & well developed. So why 3 stars? Well, the plot itself was very predictable, maybe that's why I'm not so into romance novels. I like a little suspense & I could pretty much see every aspect of this story taking place before it actually did.
Erika (17789 KP) rated The Mysteries of Udolpho in Books
Feb 2, 2019
The Mysteries of Udolpho is commonly known as the first 'Gothic Novel', and is cited in Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey. I wish that in British Literature/HS European Literature classes in the USA taught this instead of Jane Eyre.
This book is very long, which may seem daunting, but I believe it's worth it. I enjoy Radcliffe's writing style as well. You can really see why this book is used as a template for many gothic novels/films, like Crimson Peak.
Again, this won't be to everyone's taste, but if you like classic literature, I consider it a must-read.
This book is very long, which may seem daunting, but I believe it's worth it. I enjoy Radcliffe's writing style as well. You can really see why this book is used as a template for many gothic novels/films, like Crimson Peak.
Again, this won't be to everyone's taste, but if you like classic literature, I consider it a must-read.
Colin Campbell (25 KP) rated Suicide Squad (2016) in Movies
Apr 28, 2019
Need to know a little of the DC backstory (1 more)
The limited work of Enchantress
Don't know why it got slated
If you follow the comics or some of the games there is a lot of references to Escape from Arkham, admittedly some of the actors were for the sake of the name though taking it purely to the story it is close to the style of the graphic novels.
Rather than watching it expecting happy shiny marvel and the dark Justice League stories approach with an open mind. You will be pleasantly surprised
Rather than watching it expecting happy shiny marvel and the dark Justice League stories approach with an open mind. You will be pleasantly surprised
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Angels & Alphas (Angelbound Origins #1) (Alpha Girl #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I am not a fan of YA, but Angels & Alphas seemed to be one of the better ones. The females were strong without being obnoxious (or mean like some authors think they need to be) and there was no love triangle (rejoice!). The world was fleshed out nicely even though the authors really did not introduce anything new. I appreciate that the novel was set in Purgatory.
Overall, the stories were nothing new and seemed like ones that we have read over and over, However, they were done much better than the majority of novels I have read similar to them.
Overall, the stories were nothing new and seemed like ones that we have read over and over, However, they were done much better than the majority of novels I have read similar to them.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Fatal Pursuit (Aegis, #3) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I usually dont read novels like this, and this book reminded me of exactly why! The male lead was so alpha male that it was obnoxious and insulting to me as a female. The female lead was just as frustrating, but maybe thats because shes the stereotypical strong female lead. Both characters were so frustrating and cliché that I almost couldnt finish the book. Despite this, I actually enjoyed the story itself. Even though her characters made me want to pull my hair out, the author knows how to tell a story.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Gabriel's Woman (The Lover, #2) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I seldom ever leave a novel unfinished once I have begun reading it. There are exceptions, however, and this so called "erotic" novel was one of them.
The only comments that I can give after reading the few chapters are even fewer. Her style is like that of Hemingway's, choppy and a stream of consciousness so that I found myself constantly rereading the same sentences and paragraphs just to understand what the author was trying to say. To me, the writing seemed far to staccato to even enjoy. I don't think I will be reading any more of Ms. Schone's erotic novels.
The only comments that I can give after reading the few chapters are even fewer. Her style is like that of Hemingway's, choppy and a stream of consciousness so that I found myself constantly rereading the same sentences and paragraphs just to understand what the author was trying to say. To me, the writing seemed far to staccato to even enjoy. I don't think I will be reading any more of Ms. Schone's erotic novels.
Dana (24 KP) rated Throne of Glass in Books
Mar 23, 2018
Oh my god!! If you have not picked this up and you like fantasy novels, do it right now. Stop what you are doing and read this book!!! It is full of badassery, not too much romantic stuff, and magic. In the battle to find out which person will be crowned the King's Champion, lots of mystery and intrigue happens to our main heroine, Celaena Sandorthien. What is even cooler about this, there are pronunciation guides in the back of the book (at least in the paperback edition). I can't wait to start on the next one!!
Marc Mordey (13 KP) rated Lavender Road in Books
Feb 19, 2018
Unputdownable
This is the first book in a six part series, following the lives of several key characters in a South London community, from the outset of WW2 to VE Day. The novels just get stronger and stronger and the action moves into the European conflict too. The characters are really well drawn, the women are strong, there ls humour, romance, action, pathos and Just purely compelling storylines. Recommended for any reader who likes a brilliant ongoing series. I’ve loved all the books thus far. Last one comes out in April 2018. Hope others will enjoy too.